Inferences about linguistic competence in children are typically based on spontaneous speech. Children's use of complex object and adverbial noun phrase is seen as a reflection of pragmatic factors. Similar adult patterns indicate children's lack of subject clauses may be due to the nature of spontaneous speech. (CHK)

Acquisition of the words "this" and "that" was tested by a comprehension and a production task with children aged 4 and 7. It was confirmed that children would learn the spatial contrast between the words and apply it from the speakers viewpoint; non-egocentrism was not deemed necessary for correct use. (CHK)

Language is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional entity involving symbolic and cognitive aspects, communicative aspects, and structural-linguistic aspects. Analysis of single-word production of three children revealed developmental changes in the salience of these aspects and differences in functional styles of language acquisition. (CHK)

Challenges current practices in language evaluation for school-aged children with significant hearing loss. It argues for an interactive approach to assessment and offers specific recommendations for the interpretation of test results. Application of current connectionist and competition theories of language acquisition suggests the concept of…

Explores how language-minority parents, especially mothers, attempt to resolve contradictions arising from desire to preserve linguistic and cultural continuity while preparing their children to succeed in an English-language education system. Survey of eight Mexican-American families in California and Texas showed that all families were committed…

Parents in communities experiencing rapid language and culture change face particular discourse issues as they construct their homes' language and culture. This article discusses particular language decisions and influences faced by families from two Inuit communities in Arctic Quebec. In most homes, there were fluid boundaries with no conscious…

Describes a course for preservice English teachers on descriptive grammar. Discusses definitions and aims and what to do about traditional grammar; transformational-generative grammar; language acquisition; and applied grammar. Presents teaching strategies. (RS)

Two three-year olds, one verbal and one nonverbal, with moderate to severe developmental delays were taught target communication objectives using milieu language teaching. The children generalized their target objectives spontaneously and in probe situations that also required them to display listener preparatory behaviors. (Author/DB)

Examines infants' sensitivity to word units in fluent speech by inserting one-second pauses either at boundaries between successive words or between syllables within words. Results indicate that, by 11 months, infants are sensitive to word boundaries, and that this sensitivity depends on more than prosodic information or prior knowledge. (65…

Examined the relationship between early otitis media in children attending day care and children's subsequent behavior in the day care classroom when they were well. Found that day care children with chronic otitis media in the first three years of life play alone more often and have fewer verbal interactions with peers than nonchronic children.…

Reviews research that provides evidence that nonnative speakers of English in the United States use English a great deal and have acquired it very well. Misreporting of facts has suggested that immigrants are not acquiring English. English as a Second Language classes do facilitate the development of conversational language. (SLD)

This study explored the semantic content of spontaneous speech of 10 children (ages 4-5) during pretend play. More references to family were made during home play and to peers and self during preschool play. Use of daily routines and fantasy/cartoon characters as common play themes was analyzed. Discusses intervention programs for children with…

This study investigated the effectiveness of teacher-implemented naturalistic language intervention within play activities for four elementary students with moderate mental disabilities. While students showed significant increases in numbers of spontaneous language targets used during the intervention condition, they demonstrated minimal…

This article explores the theoretical and empirical support for the teaching of reading as a supportive language development program for young children with disabilities. Unidirectional and multidirectional theories are discussed. Some evidence was found for a formative influence of reading on language development. (Author/CR)